Static was born Wayne Richard Wells in Muskegon, Michigan in 1965. He lived in Joshua Tree, California, with his wife, actress Tera Wray.

The musician had been playing guitar in bands since he was 12 years old. In 1994, Static formed the band Static-X after being introduced to fellow musician MJ Ludowise by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan at a Chicago record store. The two moved to L.A. to find additional band members, and signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1998. Their debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip, was released in 1999.

Static-X went on to release five more studio albums. Their final record, Cult of Static, came out in 2009. Its cover features a photo of Wayne Static seen from behind, sporting his signature spiked-up hair.

After Static-X disbanded, Static went on to pursue a solo career, releasing the album Pighammer in 2011. He had scheduled tours with Powerman 5000 and Drowning Pool over the next few months.

A cause of death has yet to be released. Our thoughts go out to Static's family during this difficult time.